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A Matter of Urgency: Addressing the Costly but Avoidable Use of the ER

In 2016, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan members visited the emergency room 672,000 times—and 44% — nearly half—were avoidable. Non-life-threatening conditions typically can be treated by primary care doctors or through resources like urgent care centers or the 24/7 Nurse Line, saving members time and money on costly ER visits. Not only are ER visits more expensive (the average claim cost for each visit is $1,368), but they can also be lengthy, which potentially means lost time at work and lower productivity.

Business leaders have the opportunity to help employees increase their health plan literacy and understand their treatment options better. Providing your team with information to help them choose the best care source according to their needs can, in turn, help keep your coverage costs lower.

Led by George Kipa, MD, medical director and deputy chief medical officer, and Jason Machasic, director of engagement, viewers will learn more about the scope and impacts of this issue, what Blue Cross is doing to address the problem, and what they can do to encourage employees to choose the best option for care.